"We simply stepped forward for the purpose of recognizing the religious liberty rights of all the people of Indiana of every faith," Pence said on ABC's "This Week."

At issue -- the message behind the law.

Supporters say it protects a person or business owner from government persecution when following their religious beliefs. But opponents say the measure gives businesses a free pass to refuse gay and lesbian customers on religious grounds.

Cook, who publicly announced his homosexuality last year, said, "As a child, I was baptized in a Baptist church. I was never taught, nor do I believe, that religion should be used as an excuse to discriminate."

Over the weekend, hundreds of protesters took to the State House, while online the hashtag #BoycottIndiana emerged on social media.

With the final four headed to Indianapolis, former NBA star Charles Barkley is urging NCAA officials to move this week's games out of the state.

"We want to be known as the inclusion state, not the exclusion state," she said.

Pence told the Indianapolis Star newspaper he's in talks with legislative leaders and a second bill could be introduced clarifying that the law does not promote discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Consumer review website Angie's List announced it will suspend a planned headquarters expansion in Indianapolis that could have added 1,000 jobs.